Elrian leaned back, a smug look gracing his face. "There's more to share," he said, a playful hint in his voice. "Yesterday, during my hunt, I discovered and mastered certain techniques and skills."
Lyssandra's eyes widened. "More surprises? Elrian, you never cease to amaze us!"
Arlan's gaze was sharp as he observed his son. "Is that so? I recall our sparring session two days ago. Have you really progressed that much in such a short time?"
Elrian nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up in a confident smile. "You might be surprised, Father. Those techniques have significantly amplified my abilities. However, I believe in keeping some secrets," he teased. "I won't explain them now, but let's just say they would make our next sparring session... interesting."
His parents exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of amusement and intrigue.
Lyssandra laughed softly. "Always full of surprises, aren't you? But remember, mastery doesn't come overnight. Continue honing these new skills."
Arlan chimed in, "Yes, and always stay grounded. New skills are an advantage, but experience and wisdom will always be your true allies in battle."
Elrian acknowledged his father's words with a nod. "I understand, Father. I'll always remember our teachings."
It was evident that Elrian's recent revelations had brought a new dynamic to the family's relationship. While there was pride and admiration, there was also a renewed sense of caution, reminding them of the challenges that lay ahead.
The sun had barely touched its zenith when Elrian's parents proposed the friendly spar. Their faces held a determined gleam, understanding that in these precarious times, understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses was crucial.
"Let's keep it light," Arlan said, drawing his sword with a graceful flourish. "We should use only 10% of our qi. Today is important, and we need to be in top condition."
Lyssandra nodded, her blade reflecting the morning light. "It's more about strategy and technique than strength. Let's see what you've truly learned, Elrian."
Elrian's pulse quickened, but he maintained a calm facade. He knew this spar would be different, an actual test of his newfound skills and insights. Drawing his own sword, he nodded, "Alright, let's begin."
Without wasting a moment, Lyssandra lunged at Elrian, her blade slashing through the air in a swift arc. But Elrian was prepared. Using the soft method he'd refined, he effortlessly redirected her energy, creating an opening.
Arlan wasn't far behind, launching his own series of rapid strikes. But Elrian's movements were like water - flowing, smooth, evasive. Every attack was countered, every movement predicted.
And then, without warning, Elrian unleashed his Galestrike. With a powerful lunge, his sword shot forward with wind-enhanced speed, stopping just a hair's breadth from Arlan's throat. The sheer force of the move created a gust, rustling the nearby trees.
Arlan blinked, clearly taken aback. Before he could recover, Elrian was in the air, using his aerial movement technique. Descending swiftly, he gently tapped Lyssandra's shoulder, signaling his win.
Silence blanketed the training ground. Elrian, panting slightly, checked his qi pool. To his astonishment, he'd used just 0.1% of his qi.
He looked up to find his parents staring at him, their faces a mask of shock. The air was thick with tension. Arlan, ever the stoic, was the first to break the silence. "Incredible... just... incredible."
Lyssandra, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, approached Elrian. "Our boy," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion, "you've grown so strong, just when the village needs you the most."
Elrian felt a surge of emotions. He'd proven not just to his parents but to himself that he was capable, that he could stand tall in the face of adversity. Embracing his mother, he whispered, "I'll always protect our home."
As the trio sheathed their weapons, a calm understanding washed over them. Arlan looked towards Lyssandra, his gaze filled with a mixture of pride and concern. "We need to keep Elrian's combat prowess a secret. At least for now," he stated.
Lyssandra nodded in agreement, "It's better if the village doesn't know his full strength. If things go awry, he might be our trump card." The underlying message was clear: revealing Elrian's strengths prematurely might lead to unwarranted expectations and pressure. Or worse, he could become a target.
Elrian, understanding the weight of their decision, added, "I trust your judgment. But I won't hold back if our village is in danger."
His parents gave him an appreciative look. "That's our boy," Lyssandra smiled, ruffling Elrian's hair affectionately.
The sun was climbing higher, reminding them of the impending meeting. "We have an hour before the assembly with the other qi sensors," Arlan said, glancing towards the sky. "We should rest and rejuvenate our qi."
Nodding, the trio retreated to their home. Elrian, feeling the weight of the morning's revelations, retreated to his room. As he sat cross-legged, he focused on his breathing, allowing the calming rhythm to replenish his qi. Serpwingra, sensing his unease, coiled around him, offering its own form of silent comfort.
The hour passed swiftly. The family reconvened, their faces set with determination. The village assembly would be crucial in setting the tone for the upcoming confrontation. Prepared and united, they stepped out, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The village leader's house, owned by Elder Calyx, was a sturdy structure built in the heart of the village. As Elrian and his parents approached, they could already feel the heavy atmosphere surrounding it. The usual sounds of laughter and chatter that would greet them were replaced by a somber silence, only punctuated by occasional murmurs.
The door creaked open, revealing the room inside where Doren and Selene were already seated. The two qi sensors, usually brimming with energy and cheer, looked drastically different today. Their faces were etched with lines of worry and stress, their eyes carrying a shadow of unease.
Doren's usually sparkling eyes were dimmed, a frown marring his face, making him appear years older than he actually was. Selene, on the other hand, had her lips pressed in a thin line, and her gaze was distant, as if her thoughts were far away.
The room was thick with tension. Everyone present could feel the weight of the impending crisis, and the familiar faces of the village now bore expressions of concern and uncertainty. The gathering wasn't one of celebration or camaraderie but of preparation and strategy. The upcoming challenges would test the bonds and unity of the village, and each individual present felt that burden deeply.